Warzone #381
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Cade Stew was the one that caught my eye the most. It was the perfect buildup for Kaos coming up, and watching Jackson go through the anger of being led on and then being buried alive was such a fun little twist, and just shows how Olympus is ready to just burn it all down to the ground.
- Consequences caught my eye, seeing Calypso kick Gravedigger off the boat itself and plunging into the depths, only to find him outside of Olympus was a great surprise. Was he in his own control in the segment before, or has the magic that Calypso had been digging into him? The power scales are off, and it's anyone game's who is really in control in this feud. Ten outta ten.
- For the Children helps us see the sides taken for the kids, the two titans of kids entertainment clashing head to head on the sides that they've chosen. The segment has a clash of the titans sort of a feel to it, and it's got me hyped to see how it resolves!
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Who fought off Destructo and Captain Arcadia?
- What was said to Ares by Gravedigger?
- What is the thing keeping Ayame from donning the mask inside her?
- Where is CJ Thorpe's Corpse
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Playing With Dolls caught my eye, I do love seeing the different sides of Calypso and how Damo writes her. There's a good human start, that gets supplemented by the monstrous nature underneath and I do love how well he crafts that narrative in the promo!
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Who's thrown my boy into disarry? For real, loved the segment. Having the two squabbling and then being interrupted by a larger foe makes me think that these are going to be those new fellas in the journal mentioned before. It's giving me just the right vibes for everything.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Ten Bell Salute – I enjoyed that it was a twisted send off to EMM. It also allowed us more of an opportunity to glimpse Ares personality as he seems to be much more a man of action as opposed to talking. The abrupt ending with Gravedigger left me with one of my biggest questions that left me a series of questions.
- For the Children – I have really enjoyed this whole story and I enjoy how both men are taking their own position on what doing something for the betterment of the younglings actually is. While you can believe that Foley’s siding with the Seekers because he passionately believes that it’s better for the children of Arcadia to live with the truth. While I believe that in all honesty Sunshine is just conducting a facade siding with the Preservationists for his own benefit while saying that it’s for the betterment of the children. This whole interaction between Felix and Sunshine drives this home.
- Cade Stew – Just how much damage can you do to a man? The physical, the Preservationists beat the and I will quote Negan on this, “Fuck, fucking, fuckity, fuck” out of him. That’s the physical but the mental and emotional damage of being buried in the place where your brother’s corpse was resting weeks ago. This set up the whole story for the Kaos match fucking great way to end the show.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What did Gravedigger whisper to Ares? Is Zeus waiting to be ferried after the explosion?
Will Jackson be able to dig himself out that grave?
Will Ayame be forced under the mask?
Who is Arcadia’s ultimate Children’s Show Star?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Cages – I loved this piece. I loved how it started as a reflection of Tombstone’s past and the cage he put himself in and then he turns that reflection back reflecting it upon Klaus and Mighty’s situation. Fantastic fucking piece well put together with a great subject matter.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
Nox: While seemingly playing to the background kind of a face in the crowd right now I loved that Nox basically extended Jackson’s pain by keeping him alive. I cannot wait to see how Kaos goes it’s been a fun build to this match and having Nox essentially playing a Lieutenant in the Preservationists and (at least to me) coming across as the right-hand man to Narcissa is a good touch.
Harold: Got a Mention in the opening with Ares threatening him. I cannot wait to see what happens when he resurfaces.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Ten Bell Salute – This was a really cool idea. To use the traditional sign of respect to a fallen wrestler in order to show what happens when one sides with the seekers. Ares is not messing around, and that's awesome. I love that he doesn't come in with some excuse to try and make it seem like they did anything but kill Muerte. He calls it right down the middle, which makes everything he says hit harder. The part that hit the hardest was after he lays all of that down, he calls out Cade, saying that if he doesn't do what he needs to, he's going to suffer the same fate. And you know now that anything can happen.
- Dragon or Wolf - I really like this idea for a bit of character development. I really want to see what happens if at Kaos, the mask becomes hers and she becomes the Dragon Princess. I love the way it ended, the fight in Ayame... that leads toe the showdown. Nice!
- Cade Stew – There's so much freaking happening here. I love the progression, the tie in of Savor's characteristics, and that ultimately chilling last line about the third course.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What was the conversation between Gravedigger and Ares?
Is Ayame going to forgo the wolf to become the Dragon Princess?
Can Jackson Cade survive what is coming?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Playing with Dolls - I really like the direction of the writing here. I've always loved the voice that Calypso brings to her promos. Being able to explore that mystical side to her and make it fit the opponent is great. I love that disparity created between a voodoo doll and a barbie doll, and of course the twist at the end.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
SUNSHINE: I really loved this. That Mick Foley style in ring promo. Just a chair and a microphone, pouring the heart out, even as the fans voice their disagreement. I think the bouncing off the energy of the fans really made this segment. You saw the disgust, you saw a broken man trying to justify himself, and then you saw the opposite response with Foley. This is some solid gold feudmaking!
TOP THREE MOMENTS
- Ten Bell Salute – This felt orchestrated from the outset, but that was the point. Ares flexing his power and making a statement to all of Arcadia - not just OSW. This wasn’t about honoring El Mariachi Muerte; it was a warning to anyone daring to challenge the boss.
- For The Children - Easily one of my favourite storylines outside of my own and the main arc at the moment. These two are perfect foils for each other, and with the confrontation set to explode at Kaos and the children watching from ringside, it’s shaping up to be something truly special.
- Consequences – I touched on this in my last feedback, but the vision sequences are a fantastic nod to Sandman. Gravedigger has built his career on fear, yet watching him squirm as the tables have been turned on him by Calypso has been a compelling shift.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
-
What did Gravedigger whisper to Ares?
-
Who’s the brute responsible for taking down Destructo and Captain Arcadia?
-
Is Wolf Fang Ayame destined to join the Caido and claim the title of Dragon Princess?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Didn't get to read any on the lead up to this show as I was on vaycay all last week.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Graves’ fixation on the gauntlet is intriguing. Does he seek it purely out of spite for Nero draining the church’s funds, or does he have a deeper purpose in mind? With their showdown at Kaos just around the corner, answers aren’t far off. Nero can’t afford to lose with his prized possession potentially at stake. Then again, he’s probably got a cloned version with a tripwire in his back pocket just in case.
Roll on Sunday.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. Ten Bell Salute takes the top spot. That was the coldest of cold openings, that's for sure. Ares and crew made a mockery of a tribute for EMM before spitting on his grave with a warning for the Seekers. Absolute masterclass heel segment that made me want to see each of their heads kicked in, but I know we won't see that so soon.
2. For the Children takes the next spot. Great set up for the match to come at Kaos. The children are going to watch Sunshine and Foley duke it out to see who will represent them in the war. At least, that's the plan. I'm sure Sunshine has some trickery afoot to win the match and sway the children to his side. What will it be? Only Dean knows, and I'm eager to see what it results in.
3. Cade Stew takes the final spot. Damn, the Preservationists were all over this episode, weren't they? Forcing Jackson into his brother's recently excavated grave and burying him alive in it is a harsh move. They're definitely heading into the Kaos match at an advantage, that's for sure. However, will they get along as well as they did in the segments? Or will their egos get in the way of that?
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What did Gravedigger whisper in Ares's ear after plowing through the Preservationists? Does it have something to do with his feud with Calypso? Maybe it's news about Tombstone and his allegiances? Whatever it is, it made Ares drop his guard for a moment. Hopefully we'll find out just what made the God of War do that by Kaos. If not, then I'm eager to find out later on down the road.
Who was the monster that absolutely wrecked Destructo and Captain Arcadia's shit at the end of their segment? Was that one of the Zookeeper's latest recruits or is it a third party that wants them both dead for some reason? Will we see them team up in the future to take down this new threat? Can't wait to find out!
What side will the children of Arcadia take in this war? Will they vicariously join the Seekers through Felix Foley, or the Preservationists with Mr. Sunshine? I'm interested in finding out who they choose and the consequences of the other guy for being left in the dust.
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
A Treatise to Humanity takes it for me. I like the presentation style of this promo, what with it being framed like a letter to her opponent. I also like how she speaks on behalf of the Preservationists, apologizing for the deaths of the Sunshine Club and laying the blame on the Seekers and Felix Foley for being responsible for starting the war and indoctrinating the children to their side. Liked reading this promo and thought it was a unique read, despite it not being a winning piece.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Calypso: Gravedigger went from feeling fear to feeling anger in this most recent seg, but it doesn't seem to affect the Voodoo Child's mind games any. In fact, they seem to be getting more brazen as Kaos rears its head. Will Gravedigger be able to kill her, like he swore he'd do at the end of the segment? Only one way to find out, I suppose. Hopefully it doesn't happen since I like playing as her, but I'll take the results as they come.
Night: Mentioned, but not present in this show.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. Ten Bell Salute definitely takes it here. This was a heelish segment dripping with some vitriol from Ares in a way that I loved. A ten bell salute is supposed to be a moment of honor and Ares turned it into a threat, was so dark and twisted that I went damn when I first read it. Then add to the moment what Gravedigger said to Ares that we all have to wonder what scared him.
2. Anti-hero was a fun one here, I'm loving the different spectrum of white meat hero to dark hero between Destructo and Captain Arcadia. They have their words and the hiding the body is something that you almost feel respect from Destructo towards Arcadia. Then we have this man-beast you have to wonder about and hope to see again.
3. Cade Stew, what a dark torturous moment to cap off the show. Anton Savor and the rest of the preservationists making the worst dessert after a main event. It makes you wonder how he'll be at Kaos if at all. I love the shine that Anton gets here too.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Who's the man-beast?
What did Gravedigger say?
Who's footprint was it?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Cages was brilliant by Tombstone, it was a way to look deep into his own cage of Igor Mortis and the cages we all trap ourselves in. Then the twist of Klaus Way caging himself with caging Mighty. Brilliant wrot9ng and a great way to look at things.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Well done with handling Narcissa, not as big as other weeks with her but that is perfectly fine. Other people got their shine leading up to the giant Kaos match. People like Savor I believe needed the final week shine over Narcissa but great writing and still seeing her calculating and leading in ways is brilliant.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Kinda has to be Ten Bell Salute here. Brilliant subversion of a somber moment with Ares truly showing why he's just as effective a ruler as Zeus if not more and a much more terrifying one then Zeus. The brutal, in your face, everybody who opposes us dies mentality was in full force here and fuck if the next few weeks for the Seekers aren't going to be terrifying. Also add in the mystery of whatever Gravedigger revealed to him, something big's a brewing and I'm incredibly curious to see what it is.
- For the Children. Mr Sunshine revealing his reasons for joining Ares and the Preservationsists almost felt pure. He almost felt like he legitimately did it for the kids until Felix shows up and tries to call him on his bullshit. The addition of all Arcadia's childrens influence seemingly being on the line at Kaos is a great one and fuck if there's not some really intriguing ways this could go with either outcome.
- Again, it kinda has to go to Cade Stew here. Poor Jackson;s put through the wringer once more, ambushed at his own brothers grave and buried alive with him. The numbers game absolutely feels way too much for Cade and it'll be a damn miracle if he can survive even one of the competitors at Kaos let alone all of them.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What did Gravedigger say to Ares to break his composure, even for a moment?
Whose footprint was it and what exactly does Redgrave know that he won't tell Cade?
Will Ayame be able to withstand Caido or is her destiny leaving the wolf behind and taking up the mask?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Unfortunately a busy as all hell week so didn't get a chance to read anything, will definetly change that this week though.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Very intriguing here, Destructo's still being an absolute prick to Arcadia but the Captain seems to be coming a little around to what Destructo is saying..until they get ambushed by meat incarnate. I love a good mystery twist and hell if this isn't one. I have two thoughts here, either this is the Zookeeper sending one of his new minions out after Arcadia (and possibly Destructo was either on the list too or just in the way) or it's someone else entirely who is just tired of the two fucking around and wanted to teach them a lesson. If it's the latter, I have a wild theory on who it could be and fuck me if it doesn't kinda fit. Either way, very much looking forward to Kaos and the follow up on both the budding enlightenment of Arcadia by Destructo and who this mystery monster man possibly could be.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Ten Bell Salute. It established Ares as perhaps even more ruthless than Zeus, and his demand the Seekers turn themselves in or die makes me wonder if he wouldn't just kill them anyway if they did. The most interesting part, however, was Gravedigger just barrelling up to Ares with information serious enough to concern him.
- Anti Hero. Really enjoying Cap's interactions with Destructo, and seeing how he responds to the D-man being an insufferable little D-bag. Throw in the mystery attacker and the intrigue is upped - is it a new character? A member of the new Kingdom? One of Doom's old experiments? Can't wait to see where it goes.
- Cade Stew. First off, the title subverted a lil expectation I had regarding the food Anton had prepared for him. Second, fucking rough day at the office for Cade... And third, what REALLY caught my eye was Narcissa saying they'd rip the Seekers apart, from the inside out. Do the Preservationists have an inside man? The Seekers are already running low on members as is! Finally, the mystery of the footprint - whose is it? Always love new questions, because OSW always gives the answers. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Lost.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Why is Caido so insistent on making Ayame a luchador?
- How does Graves plan on securing that gauntlet? Will Nero even bring it to their match?
- How will the children react to seeing Foley and Sunshine tear into each other? 🙁
- Who or what is Grimskull's contingency plan for if/when Hatchet turns down his offer?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Crayons. First off, kudos for writing about my favourite food. Second, its is incredible how Hayden can make Sunshine's words almost paradoxical in that they are simultaneously comforting yet disturbing, complimentary yet insulting. I felt good when I posted my RP, but as soon as I read this, I was like 'welp, fuck me I guess'.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Given the current story beat is basically 'The Preservationists vs Cade', the focus is more on the group as a whole rather than individual members, and I'm ok with that - The story and Cade's struggle is the real focus here, and I'm enjoying it.